toddlershttp://www.wisebread.com/taxonomy/term/15606/all
en-US10 Homemade Child Products That Are Cheaper and Better Than Store Boughthttp://www.wisebread.com/10-homemade-child-products-that-are-cheaper-and-better-than-store-bought
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<p>Whether it's to save money, avoid harsh chemicals, or simply for the joy of creating, there are tons of good reasons to make your own baby and child products. (See also: <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/7-homemade-pet-products-that-are-cheaper-and-better-than-store-bought?ref=seealso">7 Homemade Pet Products That Are Better and Cheaper Than Store Bought</a>)</p>
<p>If you're feeling that DIY itch coming on, try these homemade child and baby products that are both cheaper, and better quality, than what you'll find at the store.</p>
<h2>1. Baby Food</h2>
<p>Pouches and jars of store-bought baby food are convenient, but homemade baby food tastes better and is more nutritious, not to mention cheaper (most pouches run over $1 each, which can add up with a hungry baby!). With my first baby I kept a variety of pre-packaged baby food for emergencies, but for meals at home I definitely made my own purees. Here's a great place to look for <a href="http://weelicious.com/homemade-baby-food-recipes/">baby food recipes</a>. Any fruit or veggie, cooked until soft, can be pureed, and the combinations are endless!</p>
<p>Freeze extra purees in ice-cube trays for convenience. Then at mealtimes, heat up a few cubes. You can also buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AM5NTIS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00AM5NTIS&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=wisbre03-20&amp;linkId=46CNNOKK67VRDHQ2">reusable baby food pouches</a> (easily cleaned in the dishwasher) for bringing homemade purees out when you're on the go &mdash; just remember to pack them with an ice-pack.</p>
<h2>2. Diaper Rash Cream</h2>
<p>With all the unpronounceable ingredients found in baby products these days, it's nice to know exactly what's going onto your baby's bottom. This recipe for <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/17140/natural-diaper-cream-recipe/">natural diaper cream</a> works as well or better than store bought. Although you'll have to buy all the ingredients, you'll spend less than buying the expensive organic brand diaper creams in the long run.</p>
<h2>3. Baby Laundry Detergent</h2>
<p>Little ones have sensitive skin that can sometimes be irritated by the chemicals in commercial detergents. It is easy and cheap to make your own with minimal and natural ingredients. Check out this tutorial on how to make your own natural <a href="http://dailymom.com/make/easy-diy-baby-laundry-detergent/">baby laundry detergent</a>.</p>
<h2>4. Baby Wipes</h2>
<p>If your child has sensitive skin, the alcohol in store-bought wipes might irritate his or her skin. You can make your own <a href="http://thenewlighterlife.com/homemade-baby-wipes/">homemade baby wipes</a> that don't have any irritating ingredients and that are almost as convenient as store-bought wipes.</p>
<h2>5. Toys</h2>
<p>If you've ever hung out with a baby or toddler, you'll have quickly realized that they can be surrounded by the most expensive, fancy, developmentally-appropriate toys, but all they want to do is play with a cardboard box. In fact, one of the most fun things to do with your child is to make things together. My daughter and I have spent hours creating furniture for her dollhouse (which was also a DIY my husband nailed together from wood boards). Cardboard beds, &quot;paintings&quot; for the walls, blankets and towels, a bathtub made from a plastic food box &mdash; all of these have inspired hours of creative play.</p>
<p>Other examples of DIY toys we've tried include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Plastic cups and a wooden spoon for play cooking</li>
<li>A hand-drawn &quot;map&quot; to drive toy cars on</li>
<li>A paper gift bag and some play &quot;money&quot; made of paper for pretend shopping</li>
<li>Paper crowns for dress-up</li>
<li>Homemade <a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/sculpting/recipes/37040.html">play-dough</a></li>
</ul>
<p>The vast majority of the &quot;interactive&quot; toys &mdash; the ones that make noises and have blinking lights &mdash; sit forgotten in the toy box. It's the toys with scope for imagination that get the most use.</p>
<h2>6. Kids' Paints</h2>
<p>Kids love to do crafts, and you can make your own washable <a href="http://www.allparenting.com/my-family/articles/967401/homemade-water-color-paints">watercolor paints</a>, diy <a href="http://easiepeasie.blogspot.com/2010/07/homemade-finger-paints.html">non-toxic finger paints</a>, <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Homemade-Face-Paints-31540547">face paint</a>, or washable <a href="http://www.frugalfanatic.com/diy-crafts-washable-sidewalk-paint/">sidewalk paint</a>. Paint isn't expensive to buy, but by making your own you can ensure you know exactly what is going into each paint, in case little painted fingers find their way into curious mouths. Also, since these paints are made with common household materials, you have an unlimited supply.</p>
<h2>7. Accessories</h2>
<p>It seems crazy to spend a lot of money on kids' accessories when they're just going to get lost under the sofa cushions, so good thing it's super easy to make your own hair clips and accessories with some basic supplies and a glue gun. Check out these tutorials for <a href="http://www.usefuldiy.com/diy-easy-double-bow/">ribbon hairclips</a>, <a href="http://loniemae.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-baby-headbands.html">baby headbands</a>, and for the little man in your life, <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/04/bow-tie-tutorial/">baby bowties</a>. In my opinion, these diy accessories are cuter than store-bought ones anyway.</p>
<h2>8. Baby Linens</h2>
<p>If you know how to use a sewing machine, the following baby linens can be made by sewing more-or-less straight lines. You'll have the satisfaction of having your child sleep in bespoke linens right from birth.</p>
<ul>
<li>Baby <a href="http://www.thinkingcloset.com/2013/03/27/burp-cloth-tutorial-for-the-beginner-sewist/">burp cloths</a></li>
<li>Fleece-lined <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/easy-baby-blankets/">baby blanket</a></li>
<li>Baby <a href="http://aliceandlois.com/diy-baby-bibs/">bibs</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>9. Bubble Solution</h2>
<p>Kids love bubbles and go through bubble solution fast! Instead of buying the bottles from the store, try making your own <a href="http://www.dosmallthingswithlove.com/2014/01/homemade-bubble-solution.html">homemade bubble solution</a>, which allows you to make as much as you need with easily accessible ingredients.</p>
<h2>10. Nursery Decorations</h2>
<p>Decorate your child's room with some DIY art &mdash; better yet, involve your child in the creation of the room's decor. Try this cute <a href="http://modernmommyhood.com/2011/12/button-letter-nursery-artwork-tutorial.html">button monogram art</a>, a <a href="http://www.pnmag.com/baby-buzz/project-nest-nursery-diys/">yarn mobile</a>, <a href="http://aedriel.blogspot.com/2009/05/sweet-girl-deserves-sweet-wall-decor.html">embroidery hoop art</a>, or a cute <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/10-ways-to-make-a-garland.html">DIY garland</a> for your child's room. Decor for kids' rooms can get expensive if you buy it in the store, and your homemade creations will be much more special.</p>
<p><em>Do you create for your child? What kids' products have you made that are better than store-bought?</em></p>
<br /><div id="custom_wisebread_footer"><div id="rss_tagline">This article is from <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/camilla-cheung">Camilla Cheung</a> of <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/10-homemade-child-products-that-are-cheaper-and-better-than-store-bought">Wise Bread</a>, an award-winning personal finance and <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/credit-cards">credit card comparison</a> website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:</div><div class="view view-similarterms view-id-similarterms view-display-id-block_2 view-dom-id-3">
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<span class="field-content"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/15-awesomely-fun-toys-you-can-diy">15 Awesomely Fun Toys You Can DIY</a></span>
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<span class="field-content"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/15-more-cheap-and-easy-diy-toys-kids-will-love">15 More Cheap and Easy DIY Toys Kids Will Love</a></span>
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<span class="field-content"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-use-new-toys-to-teach-kids-about-money">How to Use New Toys to Teach Kids About Money</a></span>
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<span class="field-content"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/12-cute-ways-to-upcycle-shoeboxes">12 Cute Ways to Upcycle Shoeboxes</a></span>
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<span class="field-content"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/10-fun-toys-and-games-you-can-make-at-home">10 Fun Toys and Games You Can Make at Home</a></span>
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</div> </div><br/></br>DIYShoppingbabiescraftskid stuffkidstoddlerstoysThu, 02 Oct 2014 17:00:06 +0000Camilla Cheung1225627 at http://www.wisebread.comThe 5 Best Parenting Books http://www.wisebread.com/the-5-best-parenting-books
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<p>As a clueless first-time parent, I inhaled parenting books from the moment I found out I was pregnant. I went down the list of popular and highly rated books on Amazon, dutifully borrowed them from the library, and read each word. For the most part, they're a blur of contradictory tips and alarming scenarios. However, there are a few of them that stand out with advice I am grateful to have come across and highly recommend to other parents.</p>
<p>Of course, we live in a country where judging parents and their kids is a national pastime. There are inconsistent studies and advice coming from the same doctors. There is no perfect way to raise a child. Every child is different. No one knows your own family. Yada yada.</p>
<p>These are books that I recommend not because I think they are <em>the</em> bibles to parenting, nor do I wholeheartedly agree with and endorse every single piece of advice in them. I recommend these books because I found them to be insightful and helpful in giving me a different perspective or strategy, one that I wouldn't have intuitively known. (See also:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wisebread.com/what-a-new-baby-really-needs">What a New Baby&nbsp;Really Needs</a>)</p>
<h2>Bringing Up Bebe</h2>
<p>I just finished &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594203334/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1594203334&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting</a>,&quot; and boy do I wish I had read this before my little boy came along. French kids are well-behaved and healthy, and they sleep through the night at two months. My 17 month old sleeps through the night occasionally, and by that I mean he wakes up once. I don't know if the French method would have worked on him, but I sure wish I had known to have tried. Now, the entire French parenting philosophy might seem a bit extreme, maybe cold and harsh, and there is a lot of criticism of American parents. If you find that hard to swallow and are completely in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Sears/e/B000APRWIS/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;qid=1371170265&amp;sr=8-3&amp;tag=babybr03-20">Dr. Sears</a> camp, this book is not for you. But I found this to be an eye opening example of how to be a firm but loving parent in order to have well-mannered kids and still enjoy life outside of being a mom. I heart this book!&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you want to read more about the French parenting method, or how to not have a picky eater, check out &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062103296/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0062103296&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">French Kids Eat Everything</a>.&quot;</p>
<h2>The Happiest Toddler on the Block</h2>
<p>I read his &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553381466/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0553381466&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">The Happiest Baby on the Block</a>,&quot; and I thought it was just okay. The five Ss strategy didn't really work for my baby (although the SHHHH did...sorta). My sister-in-law swears by it though, and it's very popular, so I think it's a safe one to pick up for a gift or yourself. They also have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006J021C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0006J021C&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">DVD</a>.</p>
<p>However, I really, really liked &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553384422/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0553384422&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">The Happiest Toddler on the Block:&nbsp;How to Eliminate Tantrums and Raise a Patient, Respectful, and Cooperative One- to Four-Year Old</a>&quot; (also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001ZJQ72/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0001ZJQ72&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">DVD</a>). It gave a very anti-intuitive way to deal with toddlers and their ever increasing frustrations. I see that it works very well with my niece, and I'm using it a lot on my 17 month old. It really seems to do the trick (most of the time) in calming him down when he's erupting.</p>
<h2>NurtureShock</h2>
<p>I'll use a word from one of the reviews on &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446504130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0446504130&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children</a>&quot; &mdash; revelatory. There are a lot of &quot;conventional wisdom&quot; myths that are dispelled with hard research. It talks about why praise is damaging, the cause behind the moody, sulky, angry teenager (it's not hormones, but something completely avoidable), and the profound reason why kids lie (we tell them to). It'll blow your mind.</p>
<h2>Brain Rules for Babies</h2>
<p>&quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008W3I4SM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B008W3I4SM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">Brain Rules for Babies: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child From&nbsp;Zero to Five</a>&quot; is the book that my husband will recommend to every new parent (especially dads!). He's an engineer, and he likes facts, please. This book is for all the parents who want to know <em>how do I get my kid into Harvard</em>? He answers this question, I&nbsp;promise.</p>
<h2>How to Talk So Kids Will Listen &amp;&nbsp;Listen So Kids Will Talk</h2>
<p>My son isn't quite at the age yet where these tips can be used on him, but I'm hoping that they will work and faciliate a more communicative relationship. It's like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553384422/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0553384422&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20"><em>Happiest Toddler</em></a> but for older kids. So much of parent-child communication is tangled by a lack of empathy on the parents' part. They think because they <em>know</em> better, their kids should automatically listen and believe them. Obviously those parents don't remember what's it like to be a kid &mdash; the one who <em>also</em> thinks she knows better. &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451663889/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1451663889&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">How to Talk So Kids Will&nbsp;Listen &amp; Listen So Kids Will Talk</a>&quot; gives very clear instructions on how to break through those biases and actually hear each other.</p>
<p>That's it?? What about all those sleep books? Guides to pregnancy? Childbirth? Breast feeding?&nbsp;</p>
<p>I read those, too. All of them, it feels like. I read the entire 2.5 pounder, &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316778001/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0316778001&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">The Baby Book</a>&quot; by Dr. Sears. I read a ton of books on breast feeding, watched documentaries on childbirth. I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743201639/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0743201639&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">Ferber</a>, the &quot;cry it out&quot; guy. Then&nbsp;I read &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071381392/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0071381392&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=babybr03-20">The No-Cry Sleep Solution</a>.&quot; I wanted to know everything that was going to happen, anything that might go wrong and how to deal with it. I wanted to know every single sound or movement my baby might make during his first few weeks. And of course I&nbsp;wanted to know how to raise a confident, smart superhero.</p>
<p>In the end, none of those books were ever helpful. Reading them made me <em>feel</em> prepared, but what actually happened wasn't the way it was described in the books. Birth, breast feeding, the first few weeks...we had problems that were never mentioned in the books, and if they were mentioned, the solutions listed didn't work. Whatever popped up, like the hundred things that went wrong while breastfeeding, we had to Google or, more helpfully, hash out with a lactation consultant.</p>
<p>These five books I&nbsp;felt were actually worth the time it took away from whatever else I could have been doing (resting, napping, relaxing).</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: I did not receive any of these books free to review. I borrowed or bought these books on my own and have selected them without any outside influence.</em></p>
<br /><div id="custom_wisebread_footer"><div id="rss_tagline">This article is from <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/lynn-truong">Lynn Truong</a> of <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/the-5-best-parenting-books">Wise Bread</a>, an award-winning personal finance and <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/credit-cards">credit card comparison</a> website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:</div><div class="view view-similarterms view-id-similarterms view-display-id-block_2 view-dom-id-1">
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</div> </div><br/></br>Familybabiesnew parentsparentingParenting bookstoddlersThu, 27 Jun 2013 10:24:30 +0000Lynn Truong978155 at http://www.wisebread.comBest Money Tips: Activities for Toddlers on a Budgethttp://www.wisebread.com/best-money-tips-activities-for-toddlers-on-a-budget
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<p>Welcome to Wise Bread's <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/topic/best-money-tips">Best Money Tips</a> Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on activities for toddlers on a budget, saving on tax preparation fees, and expensive decisions that can haunt you for life.</p>
<h2>Top 5 Articles</h2>
<p><a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/50-toddler-activities/">50 Activities That Are Perfect for Toddlers</a> &mdash; Have fun with your toddler without breaking the bank by playing balloon badminton. [Hands On As We Grow]</p>
<p><a href="http://genxfinance.com/24-ways-to-save-on-your-tax-preparation-fees/">24 Ways to Save on Your Tax Preparation Fees</a> &mdash; Use group discounts to save on your tax preparation fees. [Generation X Finance]</p>
<p><a href="http://moneysmartlife.com/expensive-decisions-that-can-haunt-you-for-life/">5 Expensive Decisions That Can Haunt You for Life</a> &mdash; Don't make the decision of paying for college with student loans. That decision could haunt you for the rest of your life! [Money Smart Life]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/03/09/get-your-credit-report-without-getting-ripped-off/">In Search of the Elusive $11 Credit Report</a> &mdash; Did you know that legally you should be able to get your credit report for just $11? [Money Talks News]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.creditsesame.com/blog/financial-questions-to-ask-your-fiance-before-you-say-i-do/">Financial Questions to Ask Your Fiance Before You Say &quot;I Do&quot;</a> &mdash; Before you tie the knot, ask your fiance how he or she would handle an inheritance. [Credit Sesame]</p>
<h2>Other Essential Reading</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.davidmakescents.com/financial-tips-living-after-graduation/#utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DavidMakesCents+%28David+Makes+Cents.com%29">5 Financial Tips for Living on Your Own After Graduation</a> &mdash; When living on your own after graduation, curb your entertainment expenses. [David Makes Cents .com]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/Procrastinating-Taxes-22109519">4 Steps To Stop Procrastinating With Your Taxes</a> &mdash; Stop procrastinating on your taxes by finding a buddy to do your taxes with. [SavvySugar]</p>
<p><a href="http://parentingsquad.com/making-your-own-baby-food-is-a-complete-waste-of-time">Why Making Your Own Baby Food is a Waste of Time</a> &mdash; Instead of making your own baby food, opt for baby-led weaning. Baby-led weaning tends to result in children prefering healthier carbohydrates as opposed to more sugary foods. [Parenting Squad]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2012/03/and-yet-another-reason-not-to-quit-your-job-early.html">And Yet Another Reason Not to Quit Your Job Early</a> &mdash; If you quit your job before you have another job lined up, you may struggle in both your job search and financially. [Free Money Finance]</p>
<p><a href="http://kiplinger.com/columns/value/archive/3-reasons-the-bull-market-will-continue.html?si=1">3 Reasons the Bull Market Will Continue</a> &mdash; Since the ratio of advances to declines is positive, chances are the bull market will continue. [Kiplinger]</p>
<h2>News &amp; Events</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/top-100-most-popular-personal-finance-blogs/news/2012/01/best-of-money-carnival-146-hosted-by-retire-by-40">Best of Money Carnival #146: Hosted By Retire By 40</a> &mdash; Don't miss The Best of Money Carnival, featuring the ten best money-related posts of the past two weeks.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/top-100-most-popular-personal-finance-blogs/news/2012/03/carnival-of-personal-finance-352-hosted-by-sense-to-save">Carnival of Personal Finance #352: Hosted by Sense to Save</a> &mdash; Be sure to check out the Carnival of Personal Finance, featuring some of the week&rsquo;s most interesting and informative articles on personal finance.</p>
<p>Be sure to check out our <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/top-100-most-popular-personal-finance-blogs/news">News &amp; Events Calendar</a> to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!</p>
<br /><div id="custom_wisebread_footer"><div id="rss_tagline">This article is from <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/ashley-jacobs">Ashley Jacobs</a> of <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/best-money-tips-activities-for-toddlers-on-a-budget">Wise Bread</a>, an award-winning personal finance and <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/credit-cards">credit card comparison</a> website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:</div><div class="view view-similarterms view-id-similarterms view-display-id-block_2 view-dom-id-1">
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</div> </div><br/></br>Lifestyleactivitiesbest money tipsbudgettoddlersMon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:11 +0000Ashley Jacobs909859 at http://www.wisebread.com